Options, Inc. Bullying Middle School

What is a bully? A bully is someone who is habitually mean to others, inflicting both physical and psychological abuse on his or her victims.

This year in the United States, 13 million students will be bullied, that’s almost one of out every three students. They are often scared to go to school. That means those students lose the opportunity to learn. It is every student’s right to feel safe – and be safe – in school. Students who are bullied may also have lower self-esteem, less self-confidence, increased fear and anxiety, depression, lower grades, and even suicidal thoughts.

Bullies tend to pick on people who are: Smaller Weaker Look Different Dress Different Talk Different

Types of Bullying: Verbal Insults and Mental Abuse Physical Intimidation Verbal Insults and Mental Abuse Cyber Bullying

Physical Intimidation: Involves physical bodily contact, such as pushing, hitting, kicking, tripping, etc.

Verbal Insults and Mental Abuse Involves name calling, teasing, put-downs, and isolation

Cyber bullying Involves the use of electronic means to torment, threaten, harass, humiliate, embarrass or otherwise target another.

Teen Bullying Statistics 1 out of 4 kids is bullied Each day 160,000 students miss school for fear of being bullied A school bullying statistics reveals that 43% of kids fear harassment in the bathroom at school 71% of students report incidents of bullying as a problem at their school. 90% of 4th through 8th graders report being victims of bullying. 1 in 10 students drop out of school because of repeated bullying.

Don’t be a Bystander A bystander is a person who watches bullying and may even feel uncomfortable, yet does nothing to help. A bystander can also be someone who ignores what’s happening, and/or encourages the bully by cheering or laughing at the victim. Speak out and help the person being hurt. You can help by telling the person who is bullying to stop. If you are afraid get a group of friends to help you confront the bully. Comfort the person who was hurt and make it known that what happened was not fair or deserved Help a teen who is being bullied by being a friend. Invite that person to participate in your school activities. This will reduce the feeling of being alone If you are afraid to say or do something on your own, find an adult you trust to help you Remember: if you walk away and get help, you are part of the solution. If you stay and watch you are part of the problem

Ryan’s Story Meet Ryan Ryan was described by his father as a sweet, gentle and very sensitive soul. He had the magical ability to bring a smile to anyone that looked his way. As he grew, he developed a wonderful sense of humor too. From about kindergarten to 4th grade Ryan had some difficulty with speech and language and he had some issues with his motor skills. Ryan was in special education classes. Ryan Halligan

Ryan’s Story continued: In 5th grade Ryan was tested and he no longer needed special education. He was moved into the regular classroom. It was during 5th grade that Ryan started having problems with bullies.

Ryan’s Story continued: Middle school was a scary transition for Ryan. He continued to struggle with his school work. He felt different and often looked down on himself. The bullying continued and it got much worse in 7th grade. Ryan was being bullied again by the same kid who had bullied him in 5th grade. He was being tormented at school. Ryan told his parents he hated going to school, he stated he did not want to go back and asked if they could move or if he could be homeschooled.

Ryan’s Story Continued: Ryan did not want to tell the teachers or the principle about being bullied because he was afraid of the other kids. The next day Ryan decided it was time to stand up for himself. After that things seemed to settle down. Ryan and the bully appeared to be friends.

Ryan’s Story Continued: Life seemed to get better for Ryan and he became involved in a lot of activities including swimming, camping, skateboarding, biking, snowboarding, playing computer games and instant messaging. Ryan loved being on-line and staying connected with his friends after school. But then, Ryan began being bullied online. Ryan had told his new friend (the bully) something very personal, (through instant messaging) then the bully started spreading rumors about him. The kids started harassing Ryan again.

Ryan’s Story Continued: Ryan then began an online friendship with one of the pretty girls from school. When Ryan approached the pretty girl at school she called him a loser and told him she didn’t want anything to do with him. This was done in front of a bunch of kids. The pretty girl had pretended to be his friend so that he would tell her private, and embarrassing things. She copied and pasted the things he wrote and sent it to her friends. Too many people now knew all of Ryan’s secrets. He had been bullied too often for too long. Ryan decided he did not want to live anymore. Ryan Halligan

Ryan Patrick Halligan 1989-2003 Ryan Halligan was only 13 when he took his own life in 2003 after years of being bullied and depressed.

Ryan Halligan as a child with his father. Ryan’s parents now speak out about the dangers of cyberbullying and the sometimes devastating outcomes. They say they have no doubt that bullying and cyberbullying were significant environmental factors that triggered Ryan’s depression. Ryan’s father encourages parents to set up a support system of adults who their child could confide in, set rules on computer use and get involved in their child’s social life. In addition, he said empowering bystanders plays a key role. By standing up, instead of standing by, Halligan said Ryan’s story may have had a different ending. Ryan Halligan as a child with his father.

Stand up and speak out against bullying! Bullying affects everyone. Whether you are the target of bullying, a witness, or the person who bullies, it is something that impacts you, your peers, and your school. You have the opportunity to change what is happening to you, or someone else, and make a difference.